While the trade deadline generally centers around the teams and the general managers making the big decisions, the players are usually well aware of what is going on and where they stand as well. New York Islanders prospect Josh Ho-Sang has been the odd man out this season and knows his time with the club could be be up. He spoke honestly with The Athletic’s Arthur Staple today, saying that he is open to being traded:
I don’t know what’s going to happen, I don’t know what they want to do with me. I’m not opposed to (being traded) if it helps the Islanders get better. For me, obviously I want to play in the NHL, that’s my main focus. For them, if they need to trade me for pieces to go further in the playoffs, improve the great team they have, then I’m all for it.
It’s a well-put statement by Ho-Sang, but one easily interpreted as being from a player ready for a change of scenery. The 2014 first-round pick has only played in ten games with the Islanders this season, after skating in 20+ in each of the past two years. Meanwhile, this has been his best AHL season, as he has scored at a near point-per-game clip through 39 games. Ho-Sang’s game can be streaky and frustrating at times, but his ability is undeniable. As the Islanders move toward adding a top rental ahead of the deadline, a seller will likely be interested in taking a waiver on Ho-Sang’s upside if his time in New York is truly over.
- It’s been pretty quiet around Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds of late, but TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports that “interest has intensified” over the last couple of days. LeBrun speculates that the Flyers’ recent streak of success may have quelled the Simmonds market as the team became re-focused on a playoff push, but he feels the results of their next few games will ultimately determine if and when Simmonds is dealt. More likely than not, the impending free agent power forward will be playing elsewhere by Monday.
- Even after the Charlie Coyle acquisition, many believe that the Boston Bruins are not done. TSN’s Darren Dreger applauded the trade, but noted that the Bruins did not have to give up much and are likely still in the market for another scoring forward. The Bruins announced this evening that center Trent Frederic has been assigned to the AHL and winger Peter Cehlarik has been recalled, further enforcing the idea that Boston prefers to play Coyle at third-line center. That would still leave a hole on the second line next to David Krejci. Dreger names New York Rangers Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Hayes as among those the Bruins are targeting to further help out their secondary scoring.
they’re developing that “it factor”
I think the Flyers can go back to being sellers. Their loss to Montreal tonight really hurts their chances of making the playoffs. Trade Simmonds & get something for him.
Amen
Kid thought he was worthy of wearing #66. Enjoy the Swiss League.
Agreed
It’s not retired. Everybody out of Pittsburgh is worthy of it…
Not one hockey player with any sense of history or an ounce of respect would wear 66.
Those who lack both might think it’s OK.
But where do you draw the line? Everybody would have their own definition of what’s unwearable and whats appropriate. Until the league retires it, i think it’s obviously fair game.
Mario said he was OK with Ho-Sang wearing it so I don’t see a big deal
Do some of you think before you type?
If nobody should ever where 66 again in any market outside Pitt!
Then why are some still wearing 4? 7? 9? and on and on . You ever heard of Orr? Esposito? Howe?
Well said!
He doesn’t even wear 66 anymore, so you are all wasting your time talking about it